Peperomia nivalis – Indoor House Plant

Peperomia nivalis is evergreen, creeping or upright succulent plant. It can reach up to 15 cm tall, with fleshy stems containing anise-scented sap. The leaves are boat-shaped, fleshy, bright green, white or white-flushed pink below, densely borne at the ends of the stems.

This colorful succulent is native to Peru and Ecuador an easy to grow indoor plant. In summer, a flower spike emerges with tiny yellowish-white flowers that have a foul odor if you come close and sniff. Full to partial sun and make sure the soil dries out between watering.

Scientific classification

Scientific Name

Peperomia nivalis

Common Name

Peperomia nivalis

How to care and grow Peperomia nivalis ?

Light

It thrives well in bright light, but no direct sun. Best indoor location is a north or east facing the window. Thrives under fluorescent lights.

Soil

It grows well in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil or a peat based soil is best, 2 parts peat and 1 part perlite or sand is a good mix.

Water

Water moderately but consistently during the growing season, Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top one inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering during the winter season.

Temperature

It requires ideal room temperature between 65 degrees Fahrenheit – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 degrees Celsius -24 degrees Celsius. Avoid temperatures below 60°F.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your plant monthly in the spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter season.

Pruning

Peperomia Nivalis plants can be pruned anywhere along the stem. If stems and leaves begin overgrowing you can pinch out the top of certain stems to stop growth, otherwise, they begin to grow spindly and out of shape in appearance. New growth develops from the nodes just below the cut in the stem.

Propagation

Peperomia Nivalis can be easily propagated by division in spring or by leaf cuttings. Take leaf cuttings with a little bit of stem, dip in rooting hormone, put the leaf and stem in compost, water well and cover with a plastic bag. Evacuate the plastic bag once in a while to prevent the leaves from rotting. New plants will begin from the base of the leaves.

Pinch tips to encourage a bushy growth habit. Pinch back dead or damaged stems and leaves to maximize new growth. For additional plant care, avoid full sun or misting the plant as it will only hydrate the leaves and topsoil. This plant type thrives on their root system, so make sure the plant receives an adequate amount of watering.

Pests and Diseases

Peperomia Nivalis has no serious pest or disease problems. Look for mealybugs, spider mites, and whitefly. Leaf spots may occur. Susceptible to rot if soils are kept too moist. Wetness and cold winter temperatures must be avoided.